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Many people think that laboratory blood work is something you have done only because your doctor is looking for disease. But in “wellness” care, blood work is an opportunity to look at your blood chemistry and boost nutrient levels that are low to supercharge your health.

Watch today’s short video to see if a “wellness” blood test is for you.

“There are natural alternatives that target the cause of allergies making it possible to actually avoid completely or diminish allergic reactions.”

“Do you have seasonal allergies?” Perhaps you are one of six people officially “diagnosed” with allergies. Sometimes mild, sometimes severe, people with allergies suffer the symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or asthma. Spring, summer and even the fall can bring on the avalanche of symptoms not to mention the waiting lines at the pharmacy. They know the drill, they tough it out every season… allergy pill after pill, treating only the symptoms… finding short term relief but not without side effects.

Well if you want a way out, there are natural alternatives that target the cause of allergies. By addressing the body’s immune system and other natural functions, it’s possible to not only find relief from symptoms but to actually avoid completely or greatly diminish allergic reactions.

Allergies can be triggered by pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. Winds carry pollen and spores through the air. Ragweed pollen travels great distances. It has been found in the air over the ocean as far as four hundred miles from shore!

But why are YOU reacting to substances that don’t seem to bother others? While there are many factors involved, the most important culprit can either be an overloaded, over stimulated or weakened immune system. It can be overloaded with toxins, chemicals, metals or what is commonly called an “excess body burden.” A weakened immune system can be the result of a deficiency of nutrients. Also increases or decreases in hormone production play a big role as well as adrenal function. Nutrients like zinc, vitamins C, D, B complex, essential fatty acids, probiotics and a host of botanicals can help feed the body to activate and rebuild glands and organ systems.

Typically, when I see someone with allergic symptoms, I always like to start with A.D.P. which is emulsified oil of oregano. The ADP’s antimicrobial properties help clean up the digestive system and reduces the immune response to seasonal allergens such as pollen, dust, animal hair, etc. I have seen many people with all kinds of allergic symptoms respond to ADP in ways I would have never thought possible. It’s the best detox I’ve ever used. You can ask Dr. Godo’s office about the use of ADP for your allergies. Also talk to Dr. Godo about other healthy nutrients to feed the body naturally and reduce the release of inflammatory substances, such as histamines.

A phytonutrient called quercetin is found in apples, tea, onions, red grapes, citrus fruit, tomatoes, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables, and many berries. Quercetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting both the production and release of histamine and other allergic inflammatory mediators. Bio-FCTS by Biotics Research Corporation combines quercetin with buckwheat culture, vitamin C and other antioxidants like green tea extract and citrus bioflavonoids.

I know a woman who was forced into an environment with cats, to which she was severely allergic. The day before and the day when she visited the home, she took 5 Bio-FCTS, 3 times a day. Even though the exposure was unavoidable and constant for over 24 hours, she was completely symptom free.

Also, essential fatty acids affect the health of cell membranes and have natural anti-inflammatory properties which are a major benefit with allergies. Where do many of the airborne allergens enter the body? In the mucus membranes that line nasal and bronchial cavities. So we can support healthy mucus membranes function with good essential oils.

These are healthy and life changing ways to find relief from seasonal allergies or any chronic allergy. Instead of the same old drill, make NEW choices. Take a Wellness approach now and you may never dread allergy season again.

Almost all people over the age of 40 have some chronic degenerative changes in their joints. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy states that osteoarthritis becomes universal by age 70. Knees, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, ankles, bones in the feet and the over 200 bone surfaces in the back are all prey to degenerative changes in the joints. This is a huge problem and yet there are many things we can do to prevent and even reverse osteoarthritis.

Commonly prescribed over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs provide temporary relief, but many people don’t know these drugs have dangerous side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, joint and liver problems, and even death. 16,500 people die each year from the negative side effects of taking NSAIDs. On the other hand, the nutrients suggested by Dr. Godo provide a variety of positive side effects and in some cases are cardio (heart) protective.

Healthy joints mean healthy cartilage. We have cells in our cartilage called chondrocytes, and these cells build new cartilage but at the same time chew or break down the damaged /aged cartilage. So growth and destruction are taking place simultaneously. It’s a healthy balance. But when the destructive phase exceeds the growth phase there is a greater amount of damaged or aged cartilage present; friction occurs, pain is experienced and ultimately degeneration.

Normally, cartilage is slippery. It is valuable to assure your bones glide easily across each other. Cartilage is also a shock absorber to protect you from injury. To imagine how slippery the cartilage between your joints can be, think of 2 perfectly smooth, slightly wet, ice cubes rubbing together. They effortlessly glide quickly and easily without catching or tearing. Now imagine a substance 5-8 times more slippery than ice. That’s your cartilage. No man made substance can compare to the low-friction and shock absorbing properties of healthy cartilage.

Clinicians use many effective strategies to treat osteoarthritis. Some recommend minerals, antioxidants, fish oil or even hormones. But here, I’d like to focus on how you can feed your joints with purified chondroitin sulfates. The beauty of using a Wellness approach is that when we feed our joints we are also feeding other areas of our body. I know we are talking about osteoarthritis; but often when we feed the body in one way, we inadvertently support other organs.

Dr. Lester Morrison used purified chondroitin sulfates for patients with documented heart disease back in the late 70’s. He was interested in the effects that purified chondroitin sulfates had on certain fractions of cholesterol and was hoping he could help patients increase their cardiovascular health. In a six year study, Dr. Morrison using purified chondroitin sulfates showed significant results in coronary health involving 120 patients with arteriosclerosis.

Let’s look at the results. Of 60 patients that were treated with purified chondroitin sulfates, only 6 suffered coronary events resulting in 4 deaths. A comparable group, also of 60 people using “conventional” medical therapy, resulted in 42 coronary events and 14 deaths. These are dramatic results, and they were achieved by using purified chondroitin sulfates daily. Imagine taking a supplement for your joints and your arteries become more flexible.

We use the term “purified” because most other forms of chondroitin available are from beef trachea and contain collagen, making it difficult to digest, which will limit its absorption significantly.

Studies like this are exciting because they highlight the willingness and ability of the body to repair itself. When Dr. Godo makes nutrient recommendations, realize the benefits are far reaching; for example by supplementing with essential fatty acids to reduce pain, chances are you will probably find your skin improves. Fix your digestion and you will notice your hair and nails have new luster. The same is true for supplementation to feed your joints. Daily use of purified chondroitin sulfates, while highly effective for improving joint health, support coronary health and other areas of your body as well.

If you are experiencing joint problems, give Dr. Godo a call; ask about purified chondroitin sulfates for natural joint care and repair.

“When you go to your Wellness clinician, they will look for clues that may be a tip off that your body is not at peak performance.”

A patient may come to me with all the signs and symptoms of a sluggish thyroid yet their family physician says everything is normal. How can that be? Let’s take a step back. Dr. Godo is trained to look for physiological imbalance. Standard physicians are trained to look for pathology or disease. We are looking for different things.

Traditional allopathic physicians are trained to use drugs which replace or dominate function. Some drugs are lifesaving and essential; however, many drugs are over used and can cause serious side effects. Dr. Godo, on the other hand, is trying to use food and nutrients to balance your body’s chemistry. So when you go to Dr. Godo’s clinic, he will look for clues that may be a tip off that your body is not at peak performance.

One effective method of screening used primarily by Wellness clinicians are referred to as “sniff tests.” The molecules that we can smell are called odorant molecules. Odorants dissolve in the mucus in our olfactory epithelium which is a tiny patch of tissue in our nasal cavity. A series of neurons provide a direct passage of information to our brain so what we smell has a neurological connection to our brain.

My thanks to Dr. Walter Schmidt for discovering and sharing this type of testing. Dr. Schmidt holds diplomat status in both Neurology and Applied Kinesiology. The concepts he basis his work on are staggering.

Imagine that our bodies are flooded with a noxious chemical that is being handled or down regulated slowly by the body. Let’s take alcohol for example. But if we consume too much alcohol, we may not be able to break it down fast enough and some of the normal byproducts can cause a temporary toxic overload. This chemical overload will cause muscle weakness and instability. We have all seen people who consume too much alcohol stumble and display slow neurological reactions until the body can catch up and reduce the temporary toxic overload.

Now let’s apply this principle to our sense of smell. If we smell a chemical substance that our bodies are struggling to download, our bodies will temporarily display muscle weakness; for example, our bodies are always struggling to maintain the balance between oxidation and reduction. Let’s take someone who is struggling to stay in balance and are in fact leaning more to the over oxidized side. If we have that person smell an oxidizing substance like bleach, which is a hypochlorite ion, they will experience temporary muscle weakness.

Clinically, we isolate and test a strong muscle, any muscle. We have the patient smell Clorox bleach, a good whiff, but not extended breathing and retest the muscle. If that previously strong muscle goes weak, we can assume that the patient’s antioxidant abilities are compromised. This is a temporary weakness and the muscle strength will come back in a few seconds after the smell is removed.

Here is the exciting part that Dr. Schmidt shares in his work. Just as smelling affects neurological pathways, tasting does as well. So tasting substances can also temporarily strengthen or weaken muscles, and we can use the body as the deciding factor of what strengthens or weakens. Continuing, we have the patient taste different antioxidants and then re-smell the oxidizing substance, in this case the bleach. By re-smelling the bleach with the antioxidant still in their mouth, we can identify which antioxidants counteract the effects of the bleach by observing which substances strengthen the muscle. So in effect we are indirectly testing for systemic oxidation and then testing to see which nutrient will correct the problem.

Truly our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. Here is another example of how we can use basic chemistry principles and screen for imbalance and use a combination of foods and nutrients to help our bodies return to balance. Dr. Godo will know which tests are right for you and can recommend a treatment plan that combines natural therapies and nutrients with healthy foods. Talk to Dr. Godo. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities.

“Over 90-95% of hypertension is considered to have no known cause and treated with drugs that can cause serious long term side effects.”

“How did we get to a place in medicine where it is considered unconventional to ask people to stop smoking, meditate, walk, and eat a healthy diet and conventional to cut people open, blow balloons up in their arteries, and put radioactive stents in them.” That’s a quote from a new book by Dr. Alex Vasquez “Chiropractic Management of Chronic Hypertension.” Dr. Vasquez presents natural and life changing solutions for hypertension, which is the medical term for high blood pressure.

In his book, he reveals that over 90-95% of hypertension is considered idiopathic which by definition means “of no known cause.” In the medical community if there’s no known cause, treat it with drugs. Medical standards dictate that anti-hypertensive drugs have to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. And because reductions in high blood pressure are so slight, drugs have to be used in combination.

So it is very common for a patient to be on several expensive anti-hypertensive medications for life; medications that can cause serious long term side effects and do not address the underlying physiologic causes.

Consider that hypertension is more than a disease; it is a business, big business. “Among allopathic /osteopathic family medical practices it is the leading cause for patient visits and clearly the leading diagnosis in family medical practice.” Direct annual costs far exceed 185 billion per year in the United States. In fact in 1998, the direct costs of hypertension in the United States were calculated to be 12.6 % of health care expenditures. That was in 1998. The last time I checked, medical costs were still rising.

People turn to medications because they are convinced it’s their only course of action. If you have high blood pressure, you have reason to be concerned. Hypertension means you are walking toward the edge of the cliff of cardiovascular disease and strokes. But there are natural therapies that can help. You can stop and turn around.

Over 25 years ago, my friend came to one of our multidiscipline clinics with a blood pressure of 220/120. After three chiropractic visits, the numbers dropped to a staggering 160/100. After reviewing his lab work, we found elevated heavy metals specifically cadmium. After 6 months on a nutrient dense program, he was able to drop it further to 120/80. What makes his story so amazing is that he continued to work 16 hours a day, fathering 9 children while being treated, so the treatment was effective even under extreme stress.

Finding the source of hypertension is detective work, and it may take multiple visits and several tiers of lab testing. Dr. Godo can help you bring your blood pressure down naturally and safely without the side effects of drugs.

Many people don’t know that vitamin D, Coenzyme Q along with certain types of therapeutic fasting, as well as diet and lifestyle changes, have been effective in reducing blood pressure. Instead of being on a medication for life, make lifestyle changes for life that will help you spring back to good health.

Hypertension is a warning light on your “health dashboard” signaling for you to make major changes. Blood pressure medications can cost $150 or more each month, and the list of side effects goes on and on. Why would we ever consider this treatment conventional?

Instead, take a Wellness approach to high blood pressure. See Dr. Godo, and get started on a program that is right for you. It’s not too late. With a little help, you can do it. Dr. Godo will address the “underlying causes” of why your blood pressure is elevated and help you make positive changes, changes that enhance optimal health and have enormous long term benefits.

Almost all people over the age of 40 have some chronic degenerative changes in their joints. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy states that osteoarthritis becomes universal by age 70. Knees, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, ankles, bones in the feet and the over 200 bone surfaces in the back are all prey to degenerative changes in the joints. This is a huge problem and yet there are many things we can do to prevent and even reverse osteoarthritis.

Commonly prescribed over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs provide temporary relief, but many people don’t know these drugs have dangerous side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, joint and liver problems, and even death. 16,500 people die each year from the negative side effects of taking NSAIDs. On the other hand, the nutrients suggested by Dr. Godo provide a variety of positive side effects and in some cases are cardio (heart) protective.

Healthy joints mean healthy cartilage. We have cells in our cartilage called chondrocytes, and these cells build new cartilage but at the same time chew or break down the damaged /aged cartilage. So growth and destruction are taking place simultaneously. It’s a healthy balance. But when the destructive phase exceeds the growth phase there is a greater amount of damaged or aged cartilage present; friction occurs, pain is experienced and ultimately degeneration.

Normally, cartilage is slippery. It is valuable to assure your bones glide easily across each other. Cartilage is also a shock absorber to protect you from injury. To imagine how slippery the cartilage between your joints can be, think of 2 perfectly smooth, slightly wet, ice cubes rubbing together. They effortlessly glide quickly and easily without catching or tearing. Now imagine a substance 5-8 times more slippery than ice. That’s your cartilage. No man made substance can compare to the low-friction and shock absorbing properties of healthy cartilage.

Clinicians use many effective strategies to treat osteoarthritis. Some recommend minerals, antioxidants, fish oil or even hormones. But here, I’d like to focus on how you can feed your joints with purified chondroitin sulfates. The beauty of using a Wellness approach is that when we feed our joints we are also feeding other areas of our body. I know we are talking about osteoarthritis; but often when we feed the body in one way, we inadvertently support other organs.

Dr. Lester Morrison used purified chondroitin sulfates for patients with documented heart disease back in the late 70’s. He was interested in the effects that purified chondroitin sulfates had on certain fractions of cholesterol and was hoping he could help patients increase their cardiovascular health. In a six year study, Dr. Morrison using purified chondroitin sulfates showed significant results in coronary health involving 120 patients with arteriosclerosis.

Let’s look at the results. Of 60 patients that were treated with purified chondroitin sulfates, only 6 suffered coronary events resulting in 4 deaths. A comparable group, also of 60 people using “conventional” medical therapy, resulted in 42 coronary events and 14 deaths. These are dramatic results, and they were achieved by using purified chondroitin sulfates daily. Imagine taking a supplement for your joints and your arteries become more flexible.

We use the term “purified” because most other forms of chondroitin available are from beef trachea and contain collagen, making it difficult to digest, which will limit its absorption significantly.

Studies like this are exciting because they highlight the willingness and ability of the body to repair itself. When Dr. Godo makes nutrient recommendations, realize the benefits are far reaching; for example by supplementing with essential fatty acids to reduce pain, chances are you will probably find your skin improves. Fix your digestion and you will notice your hair and nails have new luster. The same is true for supplementation to feed your joints. Daily use of purified chondroitin sulfates, while highly effective for improving joint health, support coronary health and other areas of your body as well.

If you are experiencing joint problems, give Dr. Godo a call; ask about purified chondroitin sulfates for natural joint care and repair.

One out of every three people has hypertension or high blood pressure. Traditional medicine offers prescription drugs to treat hypertension; however, medical journals admit not enough is being done to treat the condition. The reality is, by using current drug therapy, only 34% have their blood pressure adequately controlled. 34% is not that great.

I believe that a Wellness approach can produce not only much higher percentages than drugs but better results without the negative side effects. If one out of every three adults in America has hypertension, isn’t it obvious that our diet and lifestyle could be a major factor? The one out of three statistic includes those that have been diagnosed, who know and understand their condition, and those who are undiagnosed.

The undiagnosed represent the largest population. Hypertension is an industry in and of itself. Major pharmaceutical companies compete and lobby to get their blood pressure drug on the market. With documented “limited” success, not to mention the side effects, many people are put on these drugs for life. The 5-Minute Clinical Consult 2010 edition stated that “direct annual medical expenses related to hypertension exceed $185 billion per year, with most patients requiring multiple drugs.”

Think of hypertension as a warning sign, a signal that you don’t want to ignore. Hypertension is the result of a deeper but sometimes easily correctable condition. The body is giving feedback. Increased blood pressure is a sympathetic reaction signaling that something is wrong. A Wellness approach is to figure out what’s causing the sympathetic overdrive. Remember, in Wellness, we always want to have the courage and patience to find the underlying cause. In emergency cases, temporary use of prescription drugs can save lives, but long term use “avoids” the problem. At best, you keep the problem at bay, not to mention the harmful side effects.

Did you know that Dr. Godo offers natural alternatives for hypertension? Finding the underlying factors is essential when dealing with blood pressure cases. Dr. Godo offers effective strategies and testing.

Dr. Alex Vasquez, a research physician for Biotics Research Corporation, believes “complimentary or alternative medicine, particularly chiropractic, should be the mainstream approach to hypertension.” Natural therapies to increase nitric oxide, chelate metals, support epithelial vascular tissue, stabilize blood sugar as well as chiropractic adjustments can be effective with hypertension cases. Also, Coenzyme Q along with diet and lifestyle changes can help normalize blood pressure.

Traditionally the definition of hypertension is defined as elevated systolic over 140 or the diastolic pressure greater than 90. Surprising, 68% of all death occurred with systolic blood pressure between 120 and 140 and diastolic below 90. New guidelines suggest mortality increases starting at 115/75.

Consider this double blind placebo controlled study. Fifty drug naïve patients plus 24 patients washed out from medication, all with stage one hypertension, were randomized. Some received a national upper cervical chiropractic adjustment called NUCCA, the others received a sham procedure or placebo. After 8 weeks, the NUCCA group had a reduction in systolic blood pressure of -17 vs. the placebo group with a -3. Also, diastolic blood pressure was reduced in the NUCCA group -10 vs. the placebo group with -2. No adverse side effects were recorded. Authors concluded “that restoration of atlas alignment is associated with marked and sustained reductions of blood pressure similar to the use of two drug combination therapy. This study is very dramatic and should document the value of chiropractic in the treatment of hypertension.”

Let me emphasize again, Wellness treatments have “positive” corollary side effects; meaning not only does your blood pressure normalize, you may have more energy or notice your joints are less stiff, any number of “positive” side effects are possible. However, virtually ALL drugs carry negative side effects over a period of time.

For some of you, taking a Wellness approach is a major paradigm shift. If you have questions, there are reliable sources that can help. The science of Wellness is documented and exciting to explore. Like most people, you may be concerned about the expense. Just keep in mind, conventional blood pressure medications can cost $150 or more each month.

When is the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Remember, 1 out of every 3 people has hypertension. Think of the benefits for your overall health if you lower your blood pressure “naturally.” I believe you can.